Two women were arrested Friday in connection with the killing of a photographer, which was partially livestreamed on social media, Florida police said.
Lakevia Davonna Pringle, 31, and Savon Chantay Tyler, 35, were arrested and charged in the death of Lauren Ashley Martin, a photographer killed Tuesday night outside a home in Sanford after an argument.
Sanford police said there had been a dispute between Martin and Tyler. On the night of the shooting, Martin allegedly livestreamed himself driving to Tyler’s home to confront her, according to an amended arrest report for Tyler.
Tyler told investigators, according to the report, that he watched Martin’s live stream and left his home carrying a child’s baseball bat and a firearm. He put the gun aside before Martin arrived at Tyler’s home, the report says.
Tyler said during the fight he hit Martin with the bat and Martin allegedly grabbed him and took him away from him, according to the arrest report. Martin then allegedly approached Tyler with the bat, he says. Tyler said he took the gun and fired two shots at Martin.
Martin, 34, was found lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital, where she died, police said.
Martin’s family told the NBC affiliate WESH from Daytona Beach that she was a photographer and that there had been a disagreement over the photos Martin had taken of Tyler.
“A family is grieving the loss of a loved one because someone decided to resolve a disagreement with violence,” Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said in a statement. “What started the argument between these two will not be remembered, but Lauren’s loss will forever remain with her family and friends. “There are other options besides violence.”
Pringle, Tyler’s girlfriend, reportedly livestreamed the fight on social media. Police said Tyler was seen in the footage throwing the bat at Martin. The video becomes darker due to external lighting conditions, but the audio remains clear.
Police said in the video Pringle can be heard “inciting” Tyler to “hit” Martin and “fire” her, according to the arrest report. In the video, a shot is heard, followed by a second.
Tyler was taken into custody without incident and charged with first-degree premeditated murder. She has pleaded not guilty, according to court records. His lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment Saturday.
Pringle turned herself in Friday and was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, police said. It is unclear whether he has found a lawyer or pleaded guilty.
